Light producing device

ABSTRACT

A chemiluminescent light-producing device comprising a glass flask containing an oxalate ester and fluorescer in a solvent and having provided in the neck of said flask a tube holding hydrogen peroxide which when released by appropriate means reacts with the oxalate ester to produce light.

United States Patent C09k 1/02, F21k 2/00 [50] Field of Search 240/225, 26; 252/1883, 188 (X) [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,511,612 5/1970 Kennerly et a1 252/188.3X

Primary ExaminerLouis R. Prince Assistant Examiner-Frederick Shoon AttorneysEdgar J. Brower and Roy Miller ABSTRACT: A chemiluminescent light-producing devicev comprising a glass flask containing an oxalate ester and fluorescer in a solvent and having provided in the neck of said flask a tube holding hydrogen peroxide which when released by appropriate means reacts with the oxalate ester to produce light.

Patented May 18, 1971 I N VEN 0R. ROBE RT L. GERBER ROY MILLER ATTORNEY.

LIGHT PRODUCING DEVICE GOVERNMENT INTEREST The invention described herein may be manufactured and used by or for the Government of the United States of America for governmental purposes without the payment of any royalties thereon or therefor.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present light sources generally relay upon battery power to provide light for illumination. These devices in many situations have limitations, such as, adversely affecting night vision, awkwardness in carrying and stowing underwater, attracting unwanted attention, etc. Their shelf life is limited due to battery deterioration, bulbs are fragile, and corrosion of electrical contacts reduces reliability. Although such devices have served the purpose, the present invention provides a light producing source which possesses none of the aforementioned disadvantages.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a light source which has indefinite shelf life and requires no maintenance to keep in readiness. Another object is to provide an underwater light source of high intensity with high rcliability as a nonbeaming flashlight, night signal, etc.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING The single FIG. is a sectional view of the preferred embodiment of this invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION through which said .tube I4 extends. Tube I4 is provided with a movable spring operated metal piston 17 which extends centrally therethrough and which has positioned at the top an actuator 18. A closure spring 19 is mounted between the actuator I8 and the top of the stopper 16. The bottom of said aluminum tube 14 is sealed by valve 20.

In operation actuator 18 is depressed against the closure spring 19 moving piston I7 against valve 20 thereby releasing the hydrogen peroxide 15 into flask 1] where it mixes with said oxalate ester 13 creating a light. Spring 19 then returns piston 17 to its original position.

This flask is of unbreakable clear glass and may have a reflector on one side. A clear plastic flask may also be used. The size varies in accordance with the need; for example, the device may be of pocket size for ease in carrying or may be larger if there is storage room in the craft or vessel in which it is to be used.

Modification of the flask includes adding material to make it buoyant or to make it sink once it has served its purpose.

The present invention provides a nonbeaming light with increased output and duration over such chemiluminescent materials as the peraminoethylencs, and exhibits low sensitivity to varying environmental factors.

Iclaim:

l. A light producing device comprising a nonbreakable clear glass long-necked flask; bis(2,4,5-

trichloro-fi-carbobutoxphcnyl)oxalate partially filling said flask;

a tube substantially filled with hydrogen peroxide sealed in the neck of said flask and extending about midway into said flask;

said tube being provided with a spring actuated piston sealed in the top of said tube and a valve positioned at the base of said tube; said piston being positioned ad acent said valve;

whereby actuation of said piston opens said valve releasing the hydrogen peroxide into said bis(2,4,5-trichloro-6carbobutoxphenyl)oxalate oxalate which reacts to emit light.

2. The device in accordance with claim I wherein said tube is composed of aluminum. 

2. The device in accordance with claim 1 wherein said tube is composed of aluminum. 